Bound To Stay Bound

School Library Journal - 11/01/2023 PreS-K—Frog and Pig are two friends who have very different approaches to their days. While Frog is busy shopping, cleaning, and moving, Pig is content to simply flop on the bed or couch and relax. But when the unexpected happens, the two reverse their roles and demonstrate just how enjoyable it can be to step outside of one's comfort zone. This emerging reader text sets fledgling readers up for success from the very first moments. Before the story even begins, readers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the words that will be used in the book, and the word family that is featured inside is highlighted as well. The story uses short, repetitive phrases that correspond directly with the images. These follow a predictable structure, include rhymes, and are straightforward enough to be accessible to new readers. Comprehension questions at the end of the book challenge readers to reflect on what they have just read. Not only does this book build young readers' confidence but it also features comical illustrations and silly plot that will also keep readers engaged as they decode each word. Characters' faces display emotional expressions, and even though the words themselves do not describe everything happening in the story, readers will readily decode the plot points that appear only in the illustrations. VERDICT An enjoyable and useful story to include in library collections for new and emerging readers.—Mary Lanni - Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.